Winter storms causing roof collapses across N.J.

TRENTON – Authorities across New Jersey are advising the owners of homes and commercial buildings to remove snow from their roofs.

The advisories come after dozens of roof collapses were reported across the state in recent days.

The collapses are mostly due to a series of winter storms that have socked the state in recent weeks with several inches of snow, rain and ice. Officials say the roofs were not designed to handle the stress created by the heavy, frozen precipitation.

Officials say no major injuries have been reported in any of the roof collapses.

Homeowners looking to clear their roofs are advised to never stand on top of a snowy roof but instead to work from the side, using a ladder placed on solid ground and a snow rake.

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